Vox Populi
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Chard deNiord: Turning 70
No excuses now when I need them the most
and the garbage cans just keep getting heavier
and heavier. I make toasts to my elders
who have passed on with shots of Mezcal,
Oban, and Glenlivet. They had all the time
in the world, which they left to me in the form
of jokes and a cheap wristwatch that’s never wrong,
although its crystal is cracked—a relic now
that’s far more precious than one of those pieces
of shit that hangs on a young man’s wrist like a cuff.
I know at last how to smile and not smile
at the same time in a way without trying that says,
“I’ve tasted ambrosia and mustard in the same bite
so many times my tongue’s lost its taste.
I’ve learned a few tricks like making a coin disappear
and then reappear behind my grandson’s ear.
Like swallowing a flame without any fear.
I grieve the loss of so many friends,
both women and men it’s impossible now
to lift one side of my mouth at the same time
as the other, as I’ve already said and forgotten
I said and know I will forget again.
Copyright 2023 Chard deNiord
Chard deNiord’s many books include In My Unknowing (Pitt, 2020). He served as Poet Laureate of Vermont (2015-2019).
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Oh damn. I could have written this (not in as beautiful language, but the content…)
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Yes, I feel the same way, Barbara.
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Such a great poem. Makes me feel good about approaching 70 myself.
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Me too, Greg. I’ll be turning 70 in April.
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Very intimate, natural, conversational, true.
Happy Bday!
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I also turned 70 but without the tricks. Like Michael Ondaatje’s There’s A Trick With A Knife I’m Learning To Do.
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Happy Birthday Chard. I’m so happy that you’re across the field writing poems, drinking of the grasses and taking a stance in our often chaotic
world. Your words have made me love words more and believe in the power of art. When Finn
and I were in Ireland many decades ago, the elders would say to us”God Bless” . As I have just turned 83 and join the world of elders I’d like to say to you”God Bless”.
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Lovely, Barbara. Thank you.
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“I know at last how to smile and not smile
at the same time in a way without trying”
A lovely and honest poem 💖
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Yes, lovely and honest.
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Wow! Yes! Thank you for sharing this.
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“I’ve tasted ambrosia and mustard in the same bite
so many times my tongue’s lost its taste. ” A perfect image. How true, friend. How true! (Happy 70ies to you. I’ll be 80 in 2 1/2 months. Wouldja believe it?!)
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Hi Chard!! I never could swallow a flame at least,I don’t remember doing it! From my perspective, I’m so very happy about so many things and my secret is metal joints and wheels and wonderful children!!
Carry On!!
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‘Metal joints and wheels and wonderful children’… I love it.
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Love Chard deNiord’s poem. Ditto, Susan Sailer.
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Thanks, Desne!
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Love Chard deNiord’s poem! Thanks!
Susan Sailer
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Thanks, Susan. Nice to hear from you.
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